With the fifth anniversary of Brexit looming, the SNP has hit out at Labour, accusing Anas Sarwar’s party of locking Scotland out of the European Union for a generation.
Despite the economic damage caused by leaving the EU, Sarwar has ruled out rejoining the single market or customs union, a move the SNP claims is dictated by Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer in London.
Brexit’s toll on Scotland is mounting, with the latest figures painting a bleak picture:
- The UK’s financial settlement with the EU has cost £30.2 billion, according to Treasury estimates.
- Food exports to the EU have dropped by £2.8 billion annually since the transition period ended.
- UK goods exports fell by £27 billion in 2022 alone.
- The Treasury faces an annual shortfall of nearly £45 billion.
- The UK economy is losing £100 billion in output each year.
The SNP insists that Scotland’s return to the EU is essential and argues that independence is the only viable route back.
SNP MSP Stuart McMillan accused Sarwar of a U-turn on EU membership, saying:
“Like everything else, Anas Sarwar has flip-flopped on Scotland’s place in the EU—now bowing to pressure from Sir Keir Starmer to rule out rejoining the single market or customs union.”
McMillan warned that Brexit has cost Scotland billions, harmed public services, and stripped Scots of their right to live, study, and work across Europe. He reinforced the SNP’s position, stating:
“The SNP will not stop fighting for Scotland to re-join the EU—and the best way to do that is as an independent nation.”
With Labour unwilling to reconsider Brexit and the SNP doubling down on independence as the key to regaining EU membership, Scotland’s place in Europe remains a deeply divisive issue.